Okay not sure anyone else has mention this, but using a light touch while playing will help you build up speed good luck RTS
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Fast Plucking Assistance
- Thread starter LowFreqVeee
- Start date
I've been playing now for a lot of years and I can honestly say that I still sometimes forget to let my amp do my heavy lifting in terms of projecting my sound. Agree with the advice I already saw above to turn up a little bit and play with a lighter touch. Yes practice-practice, but remember that you'll be more quick and nimble with a lighter touch and less tension in your hands than if you're unconsciously pressing hard on the frets and plucking harder to "push" more signal through your cord to your amp. Faster = lighter and more loose.
Never said that it would. For some people it can help with technique that can lead to better/faster playing. I don't use a ramp, but throwing options out there that many people have found helpful in an attempt to help a fellow bassist as it sounded like he may have an issue with over plucking.
RE: Arthritis
You may find that playing the bass will actually relieve some of your arthritic symptoms, dependent on the type of arthritis you have (as very clearly explained above). My mom's doctor suggested she take up a hobby that will get her fingers moving, so she took up crotchet and it helped her quite a bit. When my fingers began to get gnarly, I returned to playing bass and it has reduced the gnarliness and the pain. Arthritis can be a roughness in the joint and repeated motion can help smooth it out (somehow-- I don't know the mechanics).
You may find that playing the bass will actually relieve some of your arthritic symptoms, dependent on the type of arthritis you have (as very clearly explained above). My mom's doctor suggested she take up a hobby that will get her fingers moving, so she took up crotchet and it helped her quite a bit. When my fingers began to get gnarly, I returned to playing bass and it has reduced the gnarliness and the pain. Arthritis can be a roughness in the joint and repeated motion can help smooth it out (somehow-- I don't know the mechanics).
Or you can cheat and use a pick. (Ducking for cover now...)
This may sound easier, but it's not. I actually tried playing with a pick due to the same issue recently. I found playing with a pick on bass was harder. And that's coming from a guy that's played guitar for 30 or so years. I got a metronome for the purpose of slowly increasing my speed, and at the same time learning to keep better time.
I've always said if the song was recorded using a pic, I'll use the plectrum.Or you can cheat and use a pick. (Ducking for cover now...)
Yes the OP should learn pick style along with finger style.Mastering both will pay dividends later on.
Yes good point.
It was not directed to you specifically. I was just pointing it out because some people say it does make you play faster. Might be confusing to some. I agree with you: it can't harm to try a ramp. It doesn't work for everybody though.
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no worries, and I wasn't trying to be snarky. I personally hate ramps, and I even keep my pups lower than most so as to not hit them with my fingers.Yes good point.
Hi everyone,
Thank you for the ongoing comments and support, it means a lot! I just wanted to give a progress report. I've been practicing my plucking using a metronome today. I took the advice of recording myself while doing this and paying attention to differences in tone/volume as I pluck to make sure it's consistent. This helped a lot as I now understand what I am doing wrong every time the sound isn't right when I pluck. After multiple attempts I went back to the chorus of the song, and I can do it at 90% speed nearly flawlessly. I reduced the speed a bit to work on technique but there is noticeable improvement. What helps the most is that I love playing the instrument even if it's just doing basic exercises. When I get into something I dedicate everything to it and every bit of progress just motivates me to keep playing.
You are all really generous and great thank you for all of your advice.
Thank you for the ongoing comments and support, it means a lot! I just wanted to give a progress report. I've been practicing my plucking using a metronome today. I took the advice of recording myself while doing this and paying attention to differences in tone/volume as I pluck to make sure it's consistent. This helped a lot as I now understand what I am doing wrong every time the sound isn't right when I pluck. After multiple attempts I went back to the chorus of the song, and I can do it at 90% speed nearly flawlessly. I reduced the speed a bit to work on technique but there is noticeable improvement. What helps the most is that I love playing the instrument even if it's just doing basic exercises. When I get into something I dedicate everything to it and every bit of progress just motivates me to keep playing.
You are all really generous and great thank you for all of your advice.
An ex military friend of mine introduced me to the phrase "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast".
It originated with sailors as a common practice, then was adopted by the Navy Seals as part of their serious training philosophy, which is where it has become more publicly recognized.
The basic idea is somewhat self explanatory, but there are some nuances that are worth learning about.
"Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast" - LessWrong
Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast - Lehi Jujitsu
While having its roots in nautical and military settings, the concept is now widely used in many other endeavors.
I tend to keep the idea in mind when I'm playing the electric bass and other musical instruments. Before I did, I was fast on the fretboard but tended to be sloppy. Since I began thinking this way, I've altered my practicing and playing techniques, and the result is a very much more smooth playing style, even at high speeds, that translates into being a better musician and a much better performer.
As an added bonus, I feel more mentally at ease when I'm playing. It's a less rushed feeling and more relaxed.
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This is true.
Toward this end, using a compressor allows you to play more evenly and with less effort, which in turn means that saved effort can be used to increase speed.
I've been using compressors for years, and on the rare occasion when one isn't available, I find that I have to work harder to articulate notes, which translates to sloppier playing at faster tempos.
I purchased a string cleaner/lubricant as someone suggested and it feels much better to play. My fingers don't get stuck, and the difference is massive.
Super informative, thank you!
Super informative, thank you!
Did not read all posts (so sorry if anything is repeated) but my advice:
1) The roughness could be your fingers still getting used to the strings (so give it time and continuous practice), or it could be that the strings actually are somewhat abrasive. I find older strings or ones that have corrosion tend to feel rough...also, depending on the brand of strings or the material its made from, they can feel rougher than others. I find Nickel roundwound strings tend to be smoother on average vs. stainless steel roundwounds, so that's what I've played for many years.
2) Don't use a ramp, not at this stage...it'll be a crutch more than anything else. This song is not at a speed I'd say that calls for a ramp...you'll get there, but it takes time. Same goes for a compressor: it'll just hide bad technique. Work on playing all your notes at an even volume, regardless of finger used and consistency will come.
1) The roughness could be your fingers still getting used to the strings (so give it time and continuous practice), or it could be that the strings actually are somewhat abrasive. I find older strings or ones that have corrosion tend to feel rough...also, depending on the brand of strings or the material its made from, they can feel rougher than others. I find Nickel roundwound strings tend to be smoother on average vs. stainless steel roundwounds, so that's what I've played for many years.
2) Don't use a ramp, not at this stage...it'll be a crutch more than anything else. This song is not at a speed I'd say that calls for a ramp...you'll get there, but it takes time. Same goes for a compressor: it'll just hide bad technique. Work on playing all your notes at an even volume, regardless of finger used and consistency will come.
I first heard this phrase in motorsport, as it's crucial in most cars not to shock it (sudden, jerky movements) when trying to get it to turn effectively, thus helping you go faster around the track. Smoother movements of the wheel get better results. Very useful phrase.
